The theatrical presentation The Intergalactic Nemesis was described as a live graphic novel done as a radio play & as "Prairie Home Companion meets Star Wars." Mark Morris premieres his version of Handel's Acis and Galatea, using Mozart's arrangement, which Mr. Morris describes as "kind of jazzy." Mr. Tarnopolsky averred that "one countertenor is never enough," so early music concerts include recitals by Philippe Jaroussky & Iestyn Davies.

The press conference was held in Alumni House instead of on the Zellerbach stage, due to the arrival of the Alvin Ailey company. Mr. Tarnopolsky highlighted the participation of UC students in last year's Wozzeck & showed videos of visiting artists coaching UC music students. We also saw video of Shai Wosner engagingly discussing how Schubert's silences are never funny.

Pipa player Wu Man, who will perform with the Kronos Quartet & in a solo recital, played a traditional Chinese piece at the press conference & hushed the attendees with the surprising range of sounds she produced. I nearly foiled the recording of her performance by sitting where the videographer needed to place his camera, even though he had tried to save the seat by putting a plate of food in front of it.